The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, yesterday, 17 November 2018, embarked on an operational visit to the Air Task Force (ATF) Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri to assess the progress of the Operation Green Sweep, an Air Interdiction Operation targeting selected Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) locations within the fringes of Lake Chad as well as areas around the Alagarno and Sambisa Forests in Borno State. The Operation, which commenced on 14 November 2018, is aimed at further degrading the remnants of the terrorists, curtailing their freedom of action and denying them bases from which they could launch attacks. The first few days of air strikes ‪recorded significant successes against BHT Camps, Command Centres and Logistics Bases at Sharama, Buk, Sabon Tumbun, Tumbun Rego and Kusuma, among others‬

Upon arrival in Maiduguri, the CAS, who was accompanied by other senior officers from NAF Headquarters, was briefed on the progress of the Operation by the Commander ATF, Air Commodore James Gwani. The CAS also interacted with pilots and other crew members participating in the Operation, congratulating them for the successes recorded and commending them for the phenomenal work they had been doing. While encouraging them to remain steadfast, Air Marshal Abubakar assured that HQ NAF would provide all necessary support to enable them continue making vital contributions towards securing the nation and safeguarding the lives of the Nigerian people. The CAS seized the opportunity to inspect facilities at NAF Base Maiduguri including some ongoing projects like the new Pilots’ Crew Room Building, Block of 30 single bedroom transit accommodation for airmen/airwomen as well as a new extension for the Headquarters ATF Building which was being executed by the ATF Commander. While in Maiduguri, the CAS also oversaw an attack on a BHT hideout in Tumbun Sale carried out by 2 Alpha Jet aircraft supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft. The CAS and members of his visiting team have since returned to Abuja.